It's time for tea at Lucy's Vicarage Tearooms

I am the first to admit that I love nothing more than a cup of tea, whether it’s a light floral infusion or a strong, comforting mug of Yorkshire. Someone who clearly shares my passion for a good cuppa is Lucy Jezewska who has been running Lucy’s Vicarage Tearooms since 2011. The quintessentially English tearoom is located in the sleepy village of Rolleston, close to Southwell, and offers an array of delicious blends such as orange blossom Earl Grey, refreshing peppermint and eucalyptus and of course traditional breakfast tea, all served in delicate china cups. There is also plenty to tempt non-tea drinkers including artisan coffee from local roasters Stewarts of Trent Bridge, as well as home-baked cakes and preserves made using fruit from the garden. Before setting up the tearoom Lucy had been undertaking a PhD in mechanical engineering in Manchester – but when she decided the subject was not for her she started planning a radically different career which drew on her love of vintage china, baking and tea. “At that point I wanted to do something fun so I thought about baking,” Lucy explained over a cup of Jasmine Earl Grey and homemade fruit scone. “One of the things I like about Europe is that the tea rooms are open late so I wanted to do something similar in Manchester.” However, after speaking to her parents she realised that she could use their expansive garden and its outbuildings, including a former coach house which has been renovated to create a cosy, oak-panelled tea parlour, for her new venture. She started by serving her own homemade cakes but was soon offering light lunches such as warming soups, quiches and salads. Lucy also discovered that she had a talent for making innovative preserves, jams and jellies using fruit from her orchard. Her preserves, which are available at the tearoom as well as from the Workhouse in Southwell, later went on to win two gold stars at the Great Taste Awards 2012 - and after sampling her signature strawberry jam and a tangy raspberry one with my scone I wasn't at all surprised! Lucy’s Vicarage Tearooms is open on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as bank holidays, from 10am until 5pm during the summer months. It is also open during the week for private parties and weddings. The tearoom is just a short drive away from Southwell and there is also a train that runs from Nottingham to Rolleston throughout the day. For further details visit her website.